Well, it looks like we can add another project to Marvel’s Phase Four slate in Black Widow, as THR is reporting that Marvel Studios has enlisted Cate Shortland (Lore, Berlin Syndrome) to direct the Scarlett Johansson-headlined solo movie.
Marvel hired Jac Schaeffer (The Shower) to write the script for the Black Widow movie back in January, and is said to have met with over 70 filmmakers over the past year, including some male directors – although a female helmer was always the studio’s preference.
Johansson was reportedly pushing for Shortland, having been impressed by her handling of the female lead in 2012’s Lore, while the final shortlist is said to have included Amma Asante (Belle) and Maggie Betts (Novitiate).
While details on the Black Widow movie are being kept under wraps, it is expected that it will serve as a prequel to the character’s first appearance in Iron Man 2, while Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes / The Winter Soldier is rumoured to appear.
Given that a director is now on board, it seems pretty safe to assume that Black Widow will join Spider-Man: Far From Home, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Black Panther 2 as part of Marvel’s post-Avengers 4 Phase Four slate.
Are you excited that the Black Widow movie is finally moving ahead? Let us know your thoughts in the comments…